Trans-Tasman makes a rare mistake

Given the jockeying for the Speaker’s role inside National, why not offer the post to the man who has got a burning desire to preside over the House, deputy Speaker Ross Robertson? At one stroke, it could strengthen the coalition’s majority. After all, there’s a precedent, when Jim Bolger enticed Labour’s Peter Tapsell to take the Speaker’s chair back in 1993. On the other hand, it might be seen as just a tad too Machiavellian…….

Not machiavellian, just totally ineffective.

Trans-Tasman should know that the Speaker has had a deliberative vote since around 1996, when MMP came in. The party the Speaker comes from has no impact on the Government’s majority in the House.

Ross Miller

tvb

Being a good speaker is about temperament. Margaret Wilson was plainly not fit for purpose though she had the intellect. Of the names mentioned I just do not know who would do. I suspect Eros Roy may not be quick enough on his feet. No doubt Lickwood Smith will have some views on the matter.

bhudson

s.russell

It is regrettable that the role has become a consolation prize for expired ministers (even if the choice of Smith on this basis turned out serendipitous). It would be nice to see a decision based on considering who would actually be best at the job.

bhudson

s.russell,

I think, perhaps, the reason is not so much the role being seen as a place for outgoing Ministers as it is that it is perceived that there is no role within Govt for a retiring Speaker to go to. So once you take the role, there is no other place to go than retirement.